Sean Payton's NFL return is inching closer and it could be with the Denver Broncos. The team officially sought and received permission from the New Orleans Saints to talk to their former head coach as they look to lure him to replace Nathaniel Hackett, who was fired last week. NFL insider Adam Schefter tweeted:"The Denver Broncos requested and received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview Sean Payton for their head coach job, league sources tell ESPN. The NFL ruled that any in-person interview with Payton cannot be conducted until at least January 17, per sources."Adam Schefter@AdamSchefterThe Denver Broncos requested and received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview Sean Payton for their head coach job, league sources tell ESPN.The NFL ruled that any in-person interview with Payton cannot be conducted until at least January 17, per sources. twitter.com/i/web/status/1…56671117The Denver Broncos requested and received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview Sean Payton for their head coach job, league sources tell ESPN.The NFL ruled that any in-person interview with Payton cannot be conducted until at least January 17, per sources. twitter.com/i/web/status/1…Payton retired from the NFL at the end of the 2021 NFL season. However, the five-year deal he signed with the Saints in 2019 ensures that the team will receive hefty compensation from any team vying for his services. The Broncos do not have a first- or second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. They traded those picks away to the Seattle Seahawks in the deal that landed Russell Wilson in the 2022 offseason.NFL fans on social media joked about the Broncos' dire draft capital situation and their pursuit of Sean Payton. Here are some of the best tweets:Stuchainzzz@S2Chainzzz@AdamSchefter What’re they gonna trade ? Russ’s prayers? They have no picks lmao@AdamSchefter What’re they gonna trade ? Russ’s prayers? They have no picks lmaoJosh🎄@DannyClears@HamlerMileHigh @AdamSchefter @ZacStevensDNVR What are you going to trade for him @HamlerMileHigh @AdamSchefter @ZacStevensDNVR What are you going to trade for him 😭Danny Dimes🪙 To Wan’Dale🪄@BallsDeepInYm3@AdamSchefter Broncos wont have a first rounder 3 years in a row751@AdamSchefter Broncos wont have a first rounder 3 years in a row https://t.co/2gzdgOROIuOThad@2kthad@AdamSchefter with what 1st round pick???? lmfao1@AdamSchefter with what 1st round pick???? lmfaoBuffaloTundra@BuffaloTundra@AdamSchefter Yeah with what first round picks @AdamSchefter Yeah with what first round picks 😅Dave Moore@don_sandals66@AdamSchefter Pretty sure it'll be Payton doing the interviewing118@AdamSchefter Pretty sure it'll be Payton doing the interviewingBearded Shinobi of the South@_Homer_Pimpson@AdamSchefter They ain’t got no picks that we want we good on trading him to y’all@AdamSchefter They ain’t got no picks that we want we good on trading him to y’allBlack Prez@BlackPrez@AdamSchefter Broncos have nothing to give5@AdamSchefter Broncos have nothing to giveMr__Raya (10-6) 🥹⚡️@Mr__Raya@AdamSchefter Broncos gonna offer a Walmart gift card and free bags for life4@AdamSchefter Broncos gonna offer a Walmart gift card and free bags for lifeBoltTFUp⚡️⚡️Future is Bright😏🤙⚡️@beardedbeastco@AdamSchefter Another 1st round pick 2@AdamSchefter Another 1st round pick 😬Sean Payton to the Broncos: Will head coach consider a move to Denver?Former New Orleans Saints HC Sean PaytonThe Denver Broncos have had a horrendous 2022 season. They are 4-12 ahead of their final game of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.The Broncos have a talented receiving unit and a stellar defense. Russell Wilson's incredibly poor campaign led to the majority of the Broncos' problems this season. If Payton can fix the former Seahawks star, Denver can bounce back and have a good season in 2023.The team had high hopes heading into the 2022 season, but they fell flat, leading to them relieving rookie head coach Nathaniel Hackett off his duties after only 15 games in charge. If the Broncos can retain their star players and land Payton to lead the roster, they can definitely rekindle hopes of challenging Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs for the AFC West title in 2023.